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- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup sesame seeds - 1/4 cup poppy seeds - 2 tablespoons garlic powder - 2 tablespoons onion powder - 2 teaspoons dried dill - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Olive oil spray Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders start with two main ingredients: chicken tenders and buttermilk. The chicken gives you juicy bites. Buttermilk adds flavor and makes the chicken tender. Next, we have the coating components. This mix includes flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. The flour gives crunch. The seeds add texture and that classic bagel taste. Then, we need seasonings. Garlic powder and onion powder boost flavor. Dried dill adds a fresh taste. Salt and pepper enhance every bite. Smoked paprika gives a nice, smoky touch. Finally, olive oil spray helps the tenders brown perfectly in the oven. Each ingredient plays a role in making your tenders flavorful and crunchy. Get ready to enjoy a tasty dish! First, you need to make the marinade. In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until it is smooth. Now, add 1 pound of chicken tenders to the bowl. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This step makes the chicken tender and adds flavor. For the coating, get a large dish. In this dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of sesame seeds, and 1/4 cup of poppy seeds. Also, add dried dill and a pinch of salt. Use a fork to mix it well. This coating will give the tenders their crunch and flavor. While the chicken is marinating, you can get the oven ready. Set it to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps with clean-up and keeps the chicken from sticking. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to help with browning. After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge. Let excess marinade drip off each tender. Now, dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating. Press the mixture into the chicken to make sure it sticks well. Place each coated tender on the baking sheet, leaving space between them for even cooking. Once all the tenders are coated, spray the tops lightly with olive oil. This helps them brown nicely. Now, put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Check that the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy them plain, or try them with dipping sauces. Ranch and honey mustard work great for extra taste. To get that amazing crunch, press the coating onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. When you coat the chicken tenders, make sure to use your fingers. Press down firmly to help the mixture cling. This step is key for a great texture. Olive oil plays a big role too. A light spray on top of the coated tenders helps them brown. It also adds a nice flavor. Don't skip this step if you want a crisp finish. For the best taste, marinate your chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors. You can marinate them for up to 2 hours for even better results. Just remember, the longer you marinate, the more flavor you get. If you want extra flavor, add some herbs or spices to the buttermilk. A pinch of cayenne or a sprig of fresh dill can boost the taste. Cooking time can change based on the size of your chicken tenders. Thin tenders cook faster than thick ones. Check on them around 20 minutes to see how they are doing. If they look golden brown, it’s time to check the inside. Also, keep your oven's accuracy in mind. Some ovens can run hot or cool. Use an oven thermometer to ensure you get the right temperature for even cooking. This way, your chicken tenders will turn out perfectly every time. {{image_4}} You can spice up your tenders with cayenne or chili powder. Just add a teaspoon to the coating mix for heat. If you want fresh flavors, try using herbs like thyme or rosemary. Just chop them finely and mix them into the coating. This gives your tenders a unique twist and can change the taste completely. If you prefer using an air fryer, it's simple. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tenders in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking. For a pan-fried version, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. These chicken tenders pair well with many side dishes. Try serving them with crispy fries or a simple vegetable medley. For lighter options, consider a fresh salad. A mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the rich flavors of the tenders nicely. You can also add sliced cucumbers or tomatoes for extra crunch. To store leftovers, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. They will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. After that, their taste and texture may change. You can freeze these tenders before or after baking. If you freeze them before cooking, just coat them and put them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. If you freeze them after baking, let them cool first. They will stay good for up to 3 months. When you are ready to eat them, you can reheat them right from the freezer. To reheat, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep them crispy. If you use a microwave, the tenders can get soggy. If you must use a microwave, heat them in short bursts. This way, they will not lose too much of their crunch. To marinate chicken tenders well, you need a good mix. Start with buttermilk. It makes the chicken tender and juicy. I like to add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. These spices give flavor. Mix everything in a bowl and coat the chicken. Cover the bowl and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. This extra time allows the chicken to soak up all the tasty goodness. Yes, you can adapt this recipe for gluten-free needs. Instead of all-purpose flour, use a gluten-free flour blend. For the breadcrumbs, choose gluten-free options, or crush gluten-free crackers as a substitute. Make sure to check the labels on all your ingredients. This way, you avoid hidden gluten. With these swaps, you can enjoy the same crunch and flavor without worry. To ensure chicken tenders are cooked through, check their internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer for the best accuracy. The safe temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the tender. If it reads 165°F or higher, your chicken is done. If not, return it to the oven and check again in a few minutes. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. I recommend ranch dressing for a classic taste. Honey mustard adds a sweet twist. Barbecue sauce brings a smoky flavor. You could also try buffalo sauce for heat. Each sauce brings its own fun to the meal. Experiment to find your favorite! This blog post covered how to make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, from ingredients to serving. You learned about marinating, coating, and baking for a tasty crunch. In summary, enjoy customizing flavors and experimenting with cooking methods. Keep these tips in mind for the best results. Happy cooking!

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Satisfy your cravings with these mouthwatering Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! This easy recipe combines marinated chicken and a flavorful everything bagel crust for a delightful twist on a classic dish. Perfect as a snack or a meal, these tenders are crispy, tender, and loaded with flavor. Want to impress your family and friends? Click through to discover the full recipe and make these delicious tenders today!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup sesame seeds

1/4 cup poppy seeds

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 teaspoons dried dill

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until fully combined. Submerge the chicken tenders in the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes for tenderizing (or up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor).

    Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow dish or plate, combine the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried dill, and a generous pinch of salt. Mix well to create your everything bagel coating, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.

      Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and lightly spray the parchment with olive oil to prevent sticking.

        Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating, using your fingers to press the mixture into the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one for even cooking.

          Bake: Once all the tenders are coated, lightly spray the tops with olive oil to promote browning. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

            Serve: Upon completion, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. These delicious tenders are delectable on their own or can be paired with dipping sauces such as ranch or honey mustard for an extra flavor boost.

              Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4